Comments on: The Not-So-Funny Truth about Writing Humor

By: Monica Bessette

Monica Bessette — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:45:49 +0000

I've never written a novel of any kind, but I think Susan's books are some of the best, a mix of sexy, funny, scary, and romantic. I loved reading Take a Chance on Me. It was the first romance by Susan that I read. She used the wacky hairless dog to bring the humor into a murder mystery/budding romance. The things that dog said to himself made me laugh out loud. Susan, you'll always be one of my favorites. I've read all your books at least twice, and I think I'll read Take a Chance on Me again starting now! Thanks for the giggles, the snickers, the laugh out louds.

By: Top Picks Thursday! For Writers & Readers 07-06-2017 | The Author Chronicles

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 17:03:21 +0000

[…] Susan Donovan shares the not-so-funny truth about writing humor. […]

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 05:57:48 +0000

You are absolutely sexy, Susan. And funny. Promise! I was shocked when I realized that I could write funny. I'd always thought I was such a serious writer and...well, I'm not. My non-serious adolescent boy humor leaks through every time. And you're right - if you can make yourself and your besties laugh, that's probably about as far as you can work it. p.s. I was on vacation when you wrote this, hanging around a campground in Northern Cal with no flushing toilets, internet connection or running water. I'd say you got the better end of the deal, hanging out here at WITS.

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 05:52:38 +0000

I try to explain to the kids there's a fine line between humor and meanness. Have to practice it in real life. Read what you write out loud to see if it still sounds funny.

denise

By: Victoria Marie Lees

Victoria Marie Lees — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 17:33:19 +0000

Great advice here, Susan. I've shared it online. I think parts of my writing in progress are hilarious. Still. Each time I read them. Then I'll get a beta reader who will actually say: Now Vic, you wouldn't really cut off the secretary's smiling lips with the ten-page French test, would you? Of course not. She was smiling at me when I told her she gave me the wrong test. I was having a mental meltdown. I wanted to throw up on her desk. It's supposed to be an exaggeration. Funny. You know...ha-ha? She told me it was out of place. Nuts! You are right, Susan. Not every reader will appreciate your humor. Thanks for sharing these tips with us.

By: Writing Links…7/3/17 – Where Genres Collide

Writing Links…7/3/17 – Where Genres Collide — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:29:46 +0000

[…] https://writersinthestormblog.com/2017/06/the-not-so-funny-truth-about-writing-humor/ Funny is in the eye of the beholder. […]

By: Fae Rowen

Fae Rowen — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 18:00:50 +0000

I'm not funny. It is quite frustrating to be dead serious with my students and have them start laughing and say that I'm sooooo funny. I don't tell jokes. And yet at parties, people laugh when I tell them about what I've been doing. Seriously, how funny is a story about hiking and trying to video a mother duck with her sixteen ducklings? Thanks for your post, Susan. It opened up my eyes to a possibility. Because I do love to read humor...

By: littlemissw

littlemissw — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 07:02:00 +0000

Why would someone write an actual email to an author with such a negative comment? Did they think was some sort of author out-reach program? That's just rude. I wish I could write funny things but unfortunately I can't. I just don't have the knack so I'm very impressed by your efforts.

By: Laura Drake

Laura Drake — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 20:01:41 +0000

In reply to Susan Donovan. I know!!!! Squeeee!

By: Susan Donovan

Susan Donovan — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 20:00:19 +0000

Thanks for the feedback. Just go for it... I might have to put that on my office wall. 🙂